Teens and Sexting

Many teens communicate through text message or instant messaging on platforms like Instagram, SnapChat or Facebook and it's important for parents to know what their children are doing online. Often teens don’t think of the consequences of their actions online and may need additional guidance. It’s important for parents to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies. In fact, two of the most common concerns voiced by parents today are about sexting and cyberbullying.

What is ‘sexting?’

The term 'sexting' is the sending or receiving of explicit electronic messages, containing nude or semi-nude photos or videos through a cell phone, apps, email or webcam. The word sexting comes from the combination of sex and text.

Sexting comes with a lot of risks, and it’s important for your child to understand them because they may have legal implications.

Between consenting adults, exchanging nude photos electronically is usually a legal activity however, creating and sending nude or sexually suggestive photos of people under the age of 18 goes against Canada’s child pornography laws. We work each day to protect children and teens from being exploited, harmed, embarrassed or bullied by adults or other youth through the creation and distribution of these images, videos or other content. Once you click send on an explicit image, there is no telling where they will end up.

The child pornography sections of the Criminal Code of Canada are intended to prevent the sexual exploitation of young people. More information is available about Child Pornography.

Why might teens sext?

• Many teens communicate by text.
• Teen girls often say they are pressured by a male.
• Texting may be a comfortable way to develop relationships and explore sexuality. A teen might send a sext as a sign of trust.
• It’s normal to develop sexual identity and have romantic relationships.

Communicate with your teen

In many cases, teens don’t think about, nor do they understand the consequences of sexting or the potential dangers from posting/sharing content about themselves online or sending photos to others.

Tell your teen that once they send explicit messages or pictures, they will not stay private. Nude photos can be sent to large numbers of people in seconds, even from partners in whom they trust. It can even lead to sextortion. Discourage them from forwarding nudes of others. It’s against the law.

Encourage them to just say no and to always talk to trusted adult when they’re uncomfortable.

Sexting and the Law

Although the issue involves mostly teens, it could affect anyone and there can be criminal consequences for those who send, receive or have these photos in their possession, including parents who may not know what is stored on their electronic device.

It is illegal to:

• Create sexual images/ videos of anyone younger than 18 years old (including a video a person creates themselves). This is considered child pornography.
• Possess child pornography, i.e., to save child pornography (on a phone, computer or other device).
• Distribute child pornography, i.e., sell or share images/ videos. This includes showing it to people, forwarding it, or posting it to the internet.

Charges may include:

• Possession & Distribution, Accessing of Child Pornography (having a picture or video, looking at it on the internet or just simply showing someone). When it involves nude images of people under the age of 18, sexting may violate Canadian Child Pornography laws. This is an especially important consideration for anyone who is considering sending photos to other people that they have received.
• Luring (asking someone to do a sexual act over the computer)
• Voyeurism (taking a picture or video without someone knowing)
• Threats (telling someone you’ll distribute their pictures)

Sexting can also lead to cyberbullying and a range of mental health issues including depression and suicide.

What Parents Can Do

The best thing you can do to support your teen and help your child prevent any unwanted situations is to get involved with them, and to teach them the dangers online. Set time aside for crucial conversations and set expectations about what’s ok to share. Kindness online is key.

Asking questions and setting limits on usage can help along with monitoring their cellphone usage and social media platforms (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Snap chat, Instagram etc).

Be a positive role model and set the right example.

What can you do if your child’s image is online?

Sometimes youth don’t understand the implications of their actions online. Have a fair and frank conversation with them from a place of understanding. Avoid blaming and make sure they know they have your support. If there is an intimate photo of them online:

• Help them ask the person they shared the photo with to delete the photo and involve the parents of that child if needed.
• If you think your child or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1.
• Call our non-emergency police line: 519-661-5670
• You or your child can report this to Canada’s tip line for online sexual exploitation of children at cybertip.ca.
• Submit anonymous tips to London-Middlesex Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
• Use the opportunity to keep the conversation going, discussing safety, privacy, and media literacy.